Chief of Police: District Police Department

Qualifications: Education and Certification High school diploma or GED required; bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, emergency management, or a related field preferred. Valid, active Texas peace officer license issued by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), in good standing; eligible for appointment as a chief administrator. Valid Texas driver's license and driving record meeting district requirements. Obtain the School-Based Law Enforcement Proficiency Certificate within 180 days of commission or placement in the district, unless already held. Complete required new chief training within two years of first appointment as a Texas police chief, as applicable, and maintain all required continuing education, active shooter response training, and firearms proficiency. Satisfy applicable TCOLE appointment standards and district employment screening requirements; be able to meet the oath and bond requirements of Texas Education Code Section 37.081(h). Experience Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience as a commissioned peace officer, including at least three years in a supervisory or command role. Experience in school-based law enforcement, juvenile investigations, community policing, or emergency management preferred. Advanced or Master Peace Officer Proficiency Certificate and recognized law enforcement leadership training preferred. Major Responsibilities and Duties Department Leadership and Operations Direct daily police operations, establish command procedures, schedule personnel, and allocate resources to provide campus coverage and timely emergency response. Advise the Superintendent on staffing, security needs, department performance, significant incidents, and legal or regulatory concerns. Recommend policies and procedures consistent with district goals and the authority established by the Board. Maintain department authorization and compliance with TCOLE agency standards. Coordinate any required agency establishment or reorganization activities with district leadership and legal counsel. Promote ethical conduct, impartial policing, and accountability. Establish procedures for use of force, searches, arrests, vehicle operations, firearms safety, and response to critical incidents. Coordinate with campus principals and district departments on prevention, campus access, facility security, traffic, and special events. Provide law enforcement coverage at athletic events, Board meetings, and other district activities as assigned. Co-lead the District Guardian Program, including planning, coordinating, and conducting training throughout the year. Provide ongoing guidance and support to district guardians, monitor applicable legal and training requirements, and recommend program updates to maintain compliance. Law Enforcement and Student Interaction Enforce applicable laws within the jurisdiction and duties established by the Board and applicable law. Patrol district property and respond to emergencies, accidents, and reports of criminal activity. Direct or conduct criminal investigations; collect and preserve evidence; prepare reports and charging documents; make lawful arrests; coordinate juvenile referrals; and testify in court as required. Ensure police duties remain focused on lawful law enforcement intervention. Do not assign officers routine student discipline, school administrative tasks, or student contacts unrelated to lawful police duties. Coordinate behavioral concerns with campus behavior coordinators and administrators; permit appropriate informal contact consistent with law. Use developmentally appropriate communication, de-escalation, and reasonable responses to student behavior. Protect civil rights and follow applicable requirements for students with disabilities, juvenile interviews, searches, and custody. Build constructive relationships with students, families, and employees through visibility, respectful engagement, safety education, and opportunities to report concerns. Make required reports of suspected child abuse or neglect. Emergency Preparedness and School Safety Coordinate the department's role in the district multi-hazard emergency operations plan. Work with district leadership and first responders on active threats, evacuation, sheltering, reunification, and incident command. Help plan and conduct drills, exercises, safety and security audits, campus assessments, and corrective actions. Support the district safety and security committee and serve on threat assessment and safe and supportive school teams as assigned. Ensure officers complete required school-based law enforcement, active shooter response, command, and other assignment-specific training. Maintain readiness of communications systems, emergency equipment, and response procedures. Lead the department's response to critical incidents under established incident command protocols. Coordinate with responding agencies and complete required incident reports, after-action reviews, and corrective actions. Personnel and Professional Standards Recruit and screen applicants; recommend hiring; assign, train, supervise, and evaluate department personnel; and recommend retention, discipline, or dismissal within district authority. Verify required licenses, background investigations, appointment documentation, and training before assignment. Maintain accurate personnel and training records and submit required TCOLE appointment, separation, and compliance reports. Receive and investigate complaints involving department personnel fairly and promptly. Document findings and recommendations, preserve confidentiality, and protect applicable employee rights. Administration and Interagency Coordination Manage purchasing, inventory, vehicles, and equipment maintenance under district procedures. Maintain secure evidence and property storage with documented chain of custody, access controls, and lawful disposition procedures. Oversee accurate incident records, required crime reporting, records retention, and protection of confidential information. Coordinate public information requests, subpoenas, litigation holds, and media inquiries with authorized district personnel and legal counsel. Protect student records and criminal justice information. Serve as liaison to local law enforcement, emergency responders, juvenile authorities, and prosecutors. Develop and maintain required memoranda of understanding with agencies sharing jurisdiction. Provide safety training and prevention programs for staff and students as appropriate. Perform other duties assigned by the Superintendent consistent with law and the role of a school district police chief. Supervise and evaluate police officers and other department personnel assigned to the Chief. Recommend personnel actions in accordance with district procedures and delegated authority. Working Conditions and Physical Demands Equipment: District vehicle, firearm, handcuffs, protective equipment, two-way radio, security systems, evidence and records systems, and standard office equipment. Physical demands: Prolonged sitting, standing, walking, driving, and computer use; running, climbing, bending, kneeling, lifting, carrying, restraining, or assisting persons when required by essential police duties. Safely operate required equipment and respond effectively during emergencies, with reasonable accommodation as required by law. Environment: Work in schools, offices, vehicles, outdoor areas, and emergency scenes. Frequent districtwide travel. Exposure to adverse weather, traffic, loud noise, bloodborne pathogens, and potentially dangerous or violent situations, including armed confrontations. Mental demands and schedule: Maintain emotional control, exercise sound judgment under stress, and manage confidential and sensitive information. Work evenings, weekends, holidays, or extended hours as needed; remain available for emergency response or command. Salary Based on Experience